Articles

A general discusion on national forest programmes

---

Abstract

This  paper mainly reviews the NFP process, as discussed by the IPF panel and  European    workshops in this field. It focuses on three issues i) basic terms,  objectives and principles or    elements of the concept NFP, ii) evaluation of national forest programmes,  with justification,    strengths and weaknesses, iii) implementation of NFPs, including  requirements for success.    Finally gaps in NFPs and priorities for future action are discussed.    During the last years national forest programmes have received considerable  attention as the    reference framework for sustainable management. The following elements are  considered as the most important: 1) participatory mechanisms 2) holistic and inter-sectoral approaches 3) national sovereignty 4) long term and iterative process 5) capacity building 6) effective co-ordination and    conflict resolution schemes.    A specific conclusion, which already can be drawn, proves that procedural  instruments are too    weak to achieve the NFP's objectives. Generally the following three  limiting factors are    recognised: funding, institutional capacity and co-ordination among all  interested parties at the    national and international level. However, the fact that issues of forest  policy are back on the    political agenda is seen as very advantageous.    The overall conclusion is that the NFP process is far from rooted in  national forest policies. The    major problem is the vagueness of the term. Further clarification of the  meanings and    dimensions of the elements and principles is required.

How to Cite:

Lust, N., Nachtergale, L. & Serbruyns, I., (2000) “A general discusion on national forest programmes”, Silva Gandavensis 65. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sg.v65i0.807